Monument record 793/1/2 - Cross Base in the Churchyard of St Chad

<1> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 25706 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

The cross, which stands 10m from the south wall of the chancel, consists of a cross base and fragment of the cross shaft. The cross stands in its original position, and was erected as a preaching cross in c.1543. An octagonal plinth in three stages, forming steps up to the square base block with an elaborate shaft fragment fixed to the socket. The plinth is constructed of sandstone blocks, and measures 3.8m in width and 0.69m high. The base is formed from a single block measuring 0.78 X 0.69m, 0.37m high. There is no socket hole, and the shaft is fixed on with cement and, probably, a mortice and tenon joint. The shaft is of sandstone, squared at the base, and stands 0.93m high on the base. The top of the shaft has been sawn off level to form a surface for a brass sundial, dated 1745. This cross probably replaced an earlier one.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ66 NE 1 1963 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 57397 (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

Crossbase. c1543. Yellow sandstone. Stepped octagonal base supporting lower section of cross shaft. Two octagonal steps to base with square plinth above and broaches at angles supporting a square shaft which dies to an octagon via broaches.